photo: Poached eggs for breakfast
Make the microwave your new best friend
The microwave does more than just heat food. It also cooks them. Here are some ideas that can quickly satisfy hunger pangs using a microwave.
Microwaved-poached eggs
Gooey and oozing with golden yolk goodness. That is the texture to expect when you slice through a perfectly poached egg. Skip the need to boil water first as done in preparing traditionally poached eggs1. Instead, start by cracking the egg into a microwave-friendly mug. Pour one-third cup of water into the mug. Add a dash of vinegar to help the egg coalesce better. Cover the mug with a lid and place it into the microwave. Let it cook on 50 – 80 per cent power for merely 60 seconds. Garnish with pepper.
Quiche in a pan
Dense yet fluffy. A traditional quiche comes with a thin pastry crust at the bottom and requires at least 45 minutes to bake2. Thanks to the microwave, you can now whip up this savory dish in under two minutes3. Beat one large egg with two tablespoons of milk in a microwave-safe quiche dish. Cut bread into tiny pieces and add into the wet mixture. Add two teaspoons of cream cheese and prosciutto. Microwave it on high heat for an approximate 70 seconds. Remove and garnish with rosemary or thyme before serving.
Microwaved quiche
Frittata
Classic and nutritious. Frittata is an Italian dish. It is similar to an omelette or a quiche without crust4. Spread butter on an eight-inch pie tin that is microwave-friendly. Heat it on high for 20 seconds in the microwave. Add ham, diced onions, and bell peppers. Heat it again on high for approximately 60 seconds. Pour in a beaten egg over the cooked ingredients. Let it cook in the microwave for another two minutes. Slice into triangles and serve. Best consumed hot and dipped with chili.
Mini frittatas made using a muffin tray
References:
- The Kitchn. (2010). How To Poach an Egg in the Microwave. [online] Available at: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-poach-an-egg-in-the-microwave-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-125453
- BBC Good Food. (2018). Ultimate quiche Lorraine. [online] Available at: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2868/ultimate-quiche-lorraine
- The Saint Louis Post. (2012). Coffee cup quiche. [online] Available at: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/recipes/coffee-cup-quiche/article_2d121f31-d6b0-564c-bbac-6fca97a08276.html
- The Pioneer Woman. (2013). Sunday frittata. [online] Available at: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/sunday-frittata/
- Taste of Home. (1997). Microwave Frittata Recipe. [online] Available at: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/microwave-frittata